How much does it cost to paint a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom flat?

There is no single right price for painting a one, two or three-bedroom flat. The cost depends less on the number of bedrooms and more on the condition of the walls, the area to be painted and the preparation work. Two two-bedroom flats of the same size can get very different quotes. That is why any price given without seeing the home is only a vague idea.

The number of bedrooms says little

One, two or three bedrooms tells you the number of bedrooms, not the area of the walls. An older two-bedroom flat with high ceilings has far more wall to paint than a small, modern one. What matters to the painter is the area of walls and ceilings, the number of rooms and the ceiling height.

In general, the more rooms and the larger the area, the more working time and the more paint. But the relationship is not always direct. A small bathroom and kitchen take a lot of work per square metre, because they have corners, tiles, cupboards and more areas to protect.

The factors that affect the price most

Condition of the walls: cracks, holes, peeling paint or stains need repairing before painting.
Old paint: if the wall has poorly bonded paint, it needs scraping and, sometimes, a coat of primer.
Number of coats: going from a dark colour to a light one usually needs more coats.
Ceilings: painting ceilings is more work than painting walls.
Empty or furnished home: with furniture, everything has to be moved, covered and protected.
Doors, skirting boards, door frames and windows: if they are part of the job, the price goes up.
Access: a building with no lift, or nowhere to park, can add to the time on site.
Type of paint: some paints cover better than others, and the difference shows in the final bill.

How to make an estimate at home

You can do a simple calculation before talking to painters. That way you can tell whether the prices you receive make sense.

Measure the length and width of each room.
Add up the four sides and multiply by the ceiling height. That gives you the wall area.
If you wish, subtract the large areas of windows and doors.
Add the ceiling area, which is the same as the floor area of each room.
Make a note of anything that needs repair: cracks, damp, loose paint.

With these measurements, the painter can give you a fairer price. Without them, you will receive estimates that differ widely from one another.

Why the price also changes with the area and the time of year

Labour prices vary from area to area and from company to company. In Lisbon, Cascais, Oeiras, Sintra and Amadora, the cost of travel, parking and access to buildings can also count. At busy times, such as summer, painters' diaries fill up and prices may rise.

What to ask the painter

Always ask for the quote to say what is included: wall preparation, number of coats, protection of floors and furniture, and clearing up at the end. A low price that does not include repairs often ends up costing more.

Tip: Take photos of the problem walls and send them with the measurements. The more information you give, the closer the quote will be to the real cost.